Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Thursday, 14 June 2012

I've decided to undertake a Project 10 Pan whereby I'll share with you the beauty products which I've used up. I'm going to be doing this as a video series and you can check out the first one by clicking here, enjoy!

Eye makeup remover might not be the most exciting beauty product but it's an essential nonetheless. I've recently been using the Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and felt it might be helpful to share my thoughts, although I don't wear waterproof mascara so I'm afraid that I can't comment on its effectiveness at removing this.

I was a little nervous before trying this. The reason being that I tend to think of Estee Lauder as a mid-range brand in the same vein as Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and such like. I have a tendancy to be more sceptical of the effectiveness of these powerhouse brands, although the upside of this is that when I like a product from one of them, I know it must be good! What's more, I've previously had a very bad reaction to a Clinique eye makeup remover which I can assure you, did not result in an attractive appearance! The skin around my eyes is sensitive and I also wear contact lenses so I was intrigued to see if this would live up to its "Gentle" name.

Upon first impressions, the bottle looks sleek and expensive. I liked that it was transparent so that I could see how much product was remaining. The formula is a clear, oil-free watery consistency. As it is very fluid, you need to pour onto a cotton pad with care to avoid wastage as it flows out of the bottle quickly. Having said this, I liked that the hole in the top is large enough to fit a Q-tip (cotton bud) into for precision tidy ups.

The Eye Makeup Remover feels cool & refreshing upon application and I'm pleased to report that the gentle formula did not irritate my sensitive eyes. However, you have to be careful not to get any of the product into your eye as I did when using a very saturated pad around my tear duct- it stings a lot if this happens! It works well to remove eye makeup without having to scrub at the area, however, I'm dubious as to whether it would be effective on waterproof mascara.

My main problem with this product is the price. At £18 for 100ml, it's undeniably expensive. I liked it and found that I kept coming back to it but I doubt that I could justify a repurchase when there's little to set it apart from cheaper, effective options such as those by teen brands, Amie or Elizabeth's Daughter (both of which I rate highly).

Sunday, 10 June 2012

Regular readers may recall that I've previously reviewed a couple of products from the Bliss Fabulips range, namely the Fabulips Lip Scrub and Lip Balm and today's review follows in the same vein with a review of the Fabulips Foaming Lip Cleanser.

As with all Bliss products, I liked the bold packaging. It's functional too, with a pump dispenser which releases just the right amount of product so that there's no wastage. What's more, I liked that the tube is transparent so that you can see how much product is remaining. The only downside is that I felt it was lacking in clear directions for use.
I tested this out when wearing Topshop Rio Rio lipstick, a bold orange-red which is fairly long-wearing. I applied a single pump's worth to my lips which was the perfect amount. I imagine that the tube will last a long time.
The cleanser itself is a pearlescent gel formula which has the same tempting sweet orange fragrance as the other products I've tried from the Fabulips range.
Upon application, the cleanser starts to foam (there's no need to apply to damp lips or mix with water) and it's very reminiscent of Bliss' bestselling triple oxygen mask. I found the foam slightly tickilish but it's by no means unpleasant or uncomfortable. I decided to remove the product using a dampened cotton wool pad to avoid staining any towels or flannels. My bold red lipstick was quickly and easily removed.
Overall, I really liked Bliss Fabulips Foaming Lip Cleanser. At £12, it's by no means an essential product as you can, of course, use your regular cleanser or purchase a lip & eye makeup remover in one but if you regularly wear bold lip colours or long-wear formulas, then this is worth checking out.

Saturday, 9 June 2012

Established in 1844, G Baldwin & Co holds claim to being London's oldest herbalist. I've recently been enjoying using G Baldwin & Co Revitalising Body Wash.
The packaging looks sleek and expensive, with a purple, exotic design adding a spa-like feel. I like the functional pump dispenser which delivers just the right amount of product and ensures no wastage.
The blend of lavender, peppermint and lemon is unusual but very pleasant and makes for a refreshing and revitalising treat. Obviously, the body wash can be used at any time but I'd particularly recommend it for use in the mornings, post-workout or during the summer. I believe that the gel formula is sulphate free which means that it doesn't give a very rich lather but also means that it's not drying or irritating. Skin is left feeling wonderfully clean.
I was surprised when I discovered that the price is just £5.09 for 250ml. This feels far more expensive and I was expecting it to be at least double.

Sunday, 3 June 2012

The Dr Darren McKeown skincare range comprises five products, all with a focus upon anti-ageing. I've recently been using the Active Peptide Day Cream SPF 20 and wanted to share my thoughts.

I've previously tried a face mask from the Dr Darren McKeown skincare range but this is the first daily use product that I've used. When I originally reviewed the mask last year (click here for the review), the range had just launched under the "Naked Truth by Dr Darren McKeown" branding and whilst I liked it, I questioned whether the format would work in the chosen distribution outlet, Superdrug. The range has since been rebranded, dropping the Naked Truth moniker and adding some brighter colours and design to the previously minimalist packaging.

So, on with the review...
On first impressions, I liked the bright colourful box which effectively communicates the scientific message of the brand, with molecular diagrams making up the design and a highlight towards the active ingredients of 3% Pentapeptide Complex to reduce lines and wrinkles and 3% Black Tea Extract for plumping and brightening effects.
Inside, a weighty glass jar feels luxurious and looks sleek. Despite preferring my products to be presented in other formats (not jars) for functionality and hygiene reasons, I have to admit that I was impressed. I certainly wouldn't guess that this is sold in Superdrug.

I liked that the cream incorporates an SPF- it's an essential for me when choosing a day cream as I insist on wearing SPF on my face every day of the year, regardless of the weather. Perhaps in part because of the SPF20, the cream itself is incredibly rich and a little goes a long way. I've been using this every day for approximately a month and a half as my day cream and the jar barely looks touched. As a result of the rich formula, I'd say that those with oily skin types probably wouldn't like this although it is easily absorbed and I didn't feel that it sat on my skin. There's a Photo-Protective Hydrating Fluid SPF20 in the range which may be a better choice for those with oily skin and what's more, it's £8 cheaper!

Active Peptide Day Cream SPF20 has a very pleasant citrus fragrance which made application in the mornings a real treat.

Whilst I can't say that I've noticed any dramatic difference to my skin since using this, I am enjoying it and feel that it offers fantastic value at £20.99 for 50ml (Active Peptide Day Cream SPF20 is the most expensive of the five products in the range). There's a lot about this product which makes it feel like a more expensive option. I stand by my previous comments regarding Superdrug being a strange choice of distribution outlet and will be intrigued to see how the brand performs instore following the re-launch. Overall, I'd recommend checking this out if you're looking for an everyday option which offers good value for money.

Friday, 1 June 2012

Elemis is one of my favourite beauty brands and for me, the fact that they are British is simply an added bonus.

In celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Elemis have released a Best of British gift set containing six favourites including the bestselling Pro-Collagen Marine Cream along with Melting Cleansing Gel, Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixir, Tranquil Touch Body Polish, Wild Lavender Hand Lotion and Treat Your Feet Foot Cream (which was a winner in my 2011 Skin Deep Beauty Awards). It's presented in a keepsake box with striking Union Flag design and a label inspired by the Capital's distinctive street signs. The set, which costs £45, offers the ideal way to indulge in some at home pampering over the long weekend and might be just the pick-me-up that's needed after one too many Pimm's!